Traditional rulers and government officials have led a landmark march to commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Sokoto.

The GBV refers to any act of violence directed against an individual based on his or her gender.

It is a widespread menace that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, manifesting in various forms such as physical, sexual and psychological violence, including intimate partner abuse, trafficking and forced prostitution, considered a serious violation of human rights.

The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV is a United Nations international campaign that runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, through December 10, the International Human Rights Day. 

The campaign was started in 1991 as a strategic effort to unite and amplify calls for the elimination of violence against women and girls.

In Bodinga LGA, the district head, Bello Abdurrauf, enjoined parents and teachers to promote awareness programmes against all forms of violence and to urge youth, especially girls, to report incidents.

Mr Abdurrauf described the strategic awareness initiative towards raising consciousness to eradicate GBV in society and underscored the importance of collective efforts against the menace. He stressed the need for people to be united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable.

Also speaking, the permanent secretary at the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Abubakar Alhaji, commended the UN Population Fund and other partners for their support in tackling violence against women and girls. Mr Alhaji said the march and the associated activities were not just symbolic gestures; they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on.

He called for more action on digital violence, which had become a growing threat against women and girls, noting that the programme would continue to support partners working to eliminate all forms of discrimination and abuse.

In Sokoto South LGA, the district head of Gagi, Sani Umar-Jabbi, urged stakeholders to take decisive action to safeguard the vulnerable population and hold perpetrators of GBV accountable.

Mr Umar-Jabbi highlighted all forms of GBV and called for more collaborative measures to sanitise society from all forms of abuse, cultural beliefs and misconceptions, as well as harmful practices.

(NAN)